USQ records drop in international enrolments

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) says it is still a destination of choice for foreign students, despite recording a drop in international enrolments.

It has reported a 1.3 per cent drop in international enrolments in the past 12 months, blamed on the high Australian dollar and changing visa requirements.

Vice-chancellor Jan Thomas says the fall is modest compared to other Australian universities.

"USQ has actually survived that downturn quite well," she said.

"The downturn is because of the Australian dollar and also as the result of changes to student visa requirements.

"The fact that we are still getting thousands of international students into Australia tells us that our education is extremely well regarded internationally."

Meanwhile, the vice-chancellor says state and Federal Government duplication is costing the university money.

USQ is required to table its annual report to the Queensland Parliament, despite being federally funded.

Professor Thomas says having to report to two levels of government is costly and unnecessary.

"I would call on governments to look at that to make sure that we aren't duplicating reporting and accountability so that we can free up some of the resources that universities have to turn more towards our students, our staff and our research outcomes," she said.